Plantation Shutter Myths Debunked
Sunburst Shutters San Diego has debunked a few shutter myths in the past. On our previous myth-busting trip, we looked at some of the most common misconceptions people have about plantation shutters in San Diego.
Well, the Sunburst Shutters San Diego pros are back to set the record straight on a couple more myths we’ve heard from homeowners around California. Let’s take a look.
Myth: “Plantation Shutters Are Meant For Southern Homes.”
When some homeowners hear the term “plantation shutters,” they typically conjure the image of a giant, sprawling southern house surrounded by hills. Although it’s true that they owe their name to that location and time, plantation shutters enjoyed a lot of popularity way before and way after 19th Century Southern America.
However, plantation shutters can give those exact same features to any home, no matter its style or location. Craftsman style houses can use shutters, just as Colonial homes, Mid-Century Modern houses, and even beach houses can.
Myth: “My House Style Won’t Work With Shutters Is Too Distinct For Shutters.”
Because plantation shutters saw so much use over time, some people may have gotten the impression that shutters can seem a little boring. We’ve heard a customer say before that their space was “too distinct” to install shutters, which was a tad confusing–since shutters are probably the only window treatment that can mesh with any style.
Myth: “Shutters And Blinds Are Basically The Same Thing.”
For some reason, there’s some confusion over the difference between shutters and blinds. Perhaps it has to do with homeowners conflating “slats” and “louvers,” or maybe there’s confusion because of their somewhat similar shapes. No matter the reason, blinds and shutters really couldn’t be further apart on the window treatment spectrum. Below is a basic breakdown of the two.
| The difference | Blinds | Shutters |
| Can block out whole window134 | No | Yes |
| Structure | Hangs from cord | Solid frame mounted on to window frame |
| How long will they last? | Usually wear down or fall apart after 2-3 years. | Will usually last 20+ years. |
| Permanent or temporary? | Temporary | Permanent |
| Can they increase home value? | No | Yes |
| Energy Efficiency | Minimal | Can block up to 30 degrees of outside temperature. |
| Can they fit non-square windows? | No | Can fit any specialty shape windows. |
| What are the horizontal parts called? | Slats | Louvers |
Myth #4: “All window coverings are basically the same in energy efficiency.”
As the “Blinds vs. Shutters” table illustrated, window treatments can vary tremendously on how much energy efficiency they offer. The structure, material, and construction will all play a huge part in how energy efficient a window treatment can be.
On the lowest end of the spectrum you have no window treatment whatsoever. Offering just a little more energy efficiency are your typical retail aluminum blinds. More energy efficient than those are drapes and sturdy fabric window coverings. Going further into energy efficient territory we have typical wood shutters and cellular shades, built to offer thermal protection and heat reduction. But dwarfing all of these other window treatments are Polywood plantation shutters, made to both reflect and block heat from the sun from moving through your window.
No More Shutter Myths
If you feel like you’re swimming in a sea of inaccurate info regarding shutters, we want to toss you a lifeline. Call Sunburst Shutters San Diego today at 760-405-8887 to talk to one of our experts and schedule a complimentary in-home consultation to find your perfect shutter or window treatment today.
